Magnet v Howden kitchens

NastyMatt · 25 September 2006 at 12:40PM

As the title suggests.. anyone have any experince of both? How do they stand up against each other?

Bad-Boy-Button · 25 September 2006 at 12:43PM

I've fitted both and because they are rigid units, they tend to be better than B&Q. I could not really say one was better than the other in terms of build quality but I'd always go for Magnet, but then I get up to 60% discount from them!!

needaspirin · 25 September 2006 at 12:47PM

I would never buy Magnet after the way they treated their workers

Magnet Dispute
The 1996 Congress carried an emergency motion condemning the sacking of 350 striking workers by Magnet Kitchens, Darlington. Member of UCATT, GMB, TGWU and AEEU had been engaged in a lawful trade dispute over pay and conditions when they had been dismissed on 3 September. The company had continued production by engaging a replacement workforce.

Apple_2 · 25 September 2006 at 12:48PM

Bad-Boy-Button wrote:

but I'd always go for Magnet, but then I get up to 60% discount from them!![/QUOTE

Sorry to be nosy Bad Boy but is that a trade discount ?

Thanks

Bad-Boy-Button · 25 September 2006 at 12:53PM

Yeah, I used to buy alot from them a yar or two ago, not so much now but they let me keep the discount as I still buy from them from time to time.

Ted_Hutchinson · 25 September 2006 at 1:23PM

Don't have experience of both but other readers may be interested to know I didn't have any problems opening a Howdens account in my local town, and paying for a kitchen ordered/delivered on that account in a different town.

The resulting fitted kitchen turned out fine and the inevitable minor problems were resolved without hassle. I'd be happy to use them again.

cattie · 25 September 2006 at 1:34PM

My current kitchen is Magnet & the quality is excellent. The fact that they are not flat packed makes a huge difference.

I've had my kitchen for 4yrs now & when last year I wanted an additional base unit after having a space that the tumble dryer had occupied, I was able to get one from Magnet delivered to my door in 2 days. I was happy to find that they continue to manufacture this particular range.

I'd definitely buy Magnet again.

Counting_Pennies_2 · 25 September 2006 at 2:35PM

For me the Magnet kitchen was great, but only really worth it if you are going to go for their little extras, such as the self closing drawers, corner carosels, etc. If not I would personally say from the outside the cupboards weren't much different to a B&Q one.

Much as Magnet say they will get their own people to fit them, they are still contractors, and the people who fitted mine had never fitted a kitchen before, only a conservatory! So as you can expect they were complete novices and messed the job up.

So if I did it again, I would perhaps purchase from them again, but only if I had someone of my choosing to fit it!

ckerrd · 25 September 2006 at 2:40PM

Would not let Magnet install a kitchen for me again. Nothing wrong with the units however the cowboys that put it in will not be crossing my door again. They failed to seal the worktop round the sink properly so that needs replaced. And can I get someone to do it? Can I *%$£

Bad-Boy-Button · 25 September 2006 at 2:42PM

So if I did it again, I would perhaps purchase from them again, but only if I had someone of my choosing to fit it!

I totally agree with you there, with Magnet there is no obligation to use their fitters and as with mechanics, plumbers etc, I would only ever use someone who has been recommended or you are happy with from previous work.
A good kitchen fit can be done by an novice, but an experianced joiner will know all the problems and answers before he/she starts, and the end product is generally much better.

stu3105 · 25 September 2006 at 3:17PM

Howdens are the trade version of MFI although their kitchen ranges have different names.Got mine from Howdens they were very good.

Magnet v Howden kitchens

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